Two days in New Orleans
where to stay?
Close to the French district, but not on Bourbon Street. Better prices and not so much hustle and bustle, unless you want the full experience of loud music and constant wandering of visitors.
what to do?
Day 1
In the morning, tour the Garden District, strolling through the tree-lined streets and discovering the 19th century Southern manor houses and mansions. Ideally, take the trolley from downtown towards St. Charles Ave. Get off at First St. to start the tour.
The visit to the neighborhood includes the houses of celebrities, such as Sandra Bullock, owner of the villa at 2627 Coliseum St.; actor John Goodman's at 2425 Coliseum St.; soccer player Archie Manning's at 1420 First St., or that of writer Anne Rice.
The oldest in the upscale neighborhood is Toby's Corner at 2340 Prytania St., dating from 1838.
The Colonel Short's Villa at 1448 Fourth St. stands out. The railings that surround the mansion are very striking for their outstanding ironwork, particularly the cornices that simulate a crop field.
Another with grandiose wrought ironwork is the Musson Bell House at 1331 Third St. It belonged to a pre-Civil War Creole family, relatives of the French painter Edgar Degas.
Special mention for the Briggs-Staub House, with its Gothic style on Prytania. St. No. 2605. Nearby on that street is The Women's Opera Guild House, which can be visited on Mondays.
You can also tour Lafayette Cemetery #1.
At noon, stop at Commander's Palace, a New Orleans landmark since 1893 and enjoy lunch with the famous twenty-five cent martinis. On a weekend, it's worth trying their memorable brunch. Reservations in advance are a must. Another more casual option is the pleasant District Donuts Sliders Brew, which serves not only the iconic donuts, but also tasty sandwiches and a selection of juices.
In the afternoon, it's time for museums in the Arts District, across from the Central Business District, neighborhoods that are well worth a visit. New Orleans offers several options. The most relevant is undoubtedly the National World War II Museum, which tells the military history of the United States and its role in the armed conflict. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art has the most important collection of Southern art. Nearby, check out the Center for Contemporary Art CAC as you may be surprised by one of its temporary exhibits. Check in advance the cultural programs it offers.
Close the itinerary, just 300 meters away, tasting authentic local delicacies. Yes, for dinner, Cochon is a must. They serve the best traditional southern dishes, an authentic Cajun cuisine, in a warm contemporary atmosphere of an old renovated warehouse. Another option, rather more touristy and not so local, but with typical live music to match the experience is offered by Mulate’s.
Finally, a visit to the International House hotel is mandatory to enjoy the Looters mural by Bansky in its lobby.
Find the suggested route, as well as restaurants and landmarks, below.
Day 2
A quick visit to the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is one alternative, as well as its zoo and aquarium. Otherwise, go straight to the French Quarter tour, starting with a memorable breakfast at the original Cafe Du Monde coffee stand near the French Market. This is an establishment dating back to 1862, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving a scrumptious café au lait -or its iced option-, accompanied by its iconic beignets, square French-style doughnuts, covered with a significant amount of powdered sugar, simply delicious.
Then a visit to the French Market offers a variety of picturesque stores in a unique historic building. Not to be missed are Fundge -a typical caramel nougat- and Aunt Sally's praline.
A quick visit to the New Orleans Jazz Museum, then retrace your steps to Jackson Square, where you will surely be accompanied by the lively music offered by street performers. Stop at the Catedral Basílica San Luis IX - King of France and the historic Spanish Colonial style Cabildo.
Before taking a tour to visit the incredible urban art of New Orleans, try shrimp and a catfish po'boys, perhaps right in front of Bansky's famous Umbrella Girl artwork, at the Orange Store. Delicious sandwiches with authentic local flavor. Ideally, sit at the rustic sidewalk tables while appreciating the iconic mural that appeared in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, as a symbol of the failures of the levee system to protect the city and its people.
The nolaartwalk offers a walk of more than two hours with stops at the most outstanding murals and graffiti, which mutate, revealing the life that characterizes this urban artistic expression. The city has hundreds of murals, particularly around the corner of Franklin Ave and St. Claude Ave. In addition, as a consequence of an attempt to censor politically charged paintings, the Nola Mural Project was created. It is a Louisiana non-profit organization created by Neal Morris for the purpose of promoting street art, under the maxim that there is no such thing as too much art, a symbol of freedom of expression.
Back in the French Quarter at sunset, when the nightlife is coming alive, enjoy an aperitif at the historic Carousel Bar of the Hotel Monteleone. Dine at Napoleon House a historic landmark of the district. The building's owner was Nicholas Girod, who in 1821 engineered a botched rescue to free Napoleon from exile and give him residence as a refugee in the city under his mayoralty. Another gourmet option is Desire Oyster Bar at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.
To complete, stroll down Bourbon St., admire those fun balconies, the comings and goings of avid visitors and just walk into the liveliest bar or perhaps why not try the once forbidden Absinthe at the little bar on the corner of Bienville St., the Old Absinthe House.
